High-Return Exterior Improvements

1. Landscaping and Curb Appeal (80-100% ROI)

First impressions matter. Quality landscaping is one of the best investments before selling:

  • Fresh mulch in all beds
  • Trimmed shrubs and trees
  • Clean, defined edges along walkways
  • Fresh plantings for color
  • Power-washed driveway and walkways

Budget: $2,000-$5,000 for comprehensive curb appeal improvements. These typically return 80-100% of your investment and help your home sell faster.

2. Paver Patio or Deck (60-80% ROI)

Outdoor living spaces appeal to buyers throughout SE Wisconsin:

  • New or refinished deck
  • Paver patio for entertaining
  • Simple pergola or shade structure

These improvements showcase usable outdoor space and typically return 60-80% of your investment in our market.

Interior Improvements That Pay Off

3. Bathroom Updates (60-70% ROI)

Updated bathrooms strongly influence buyer decisions:

  • Minor updates: New vanity, faucet, lighting, and paint
  • Mid-range remodel: New tile, tub/shower, and fixtures
  • Focus on the main bath: This is where buyers look first

Even minor bathroom updates can return 60-70% of your investment and make your home more competitive.

4. Fresh Paint and Flooring (50-75% ROI)

Clean, neutral interiors appeal to the widest buyer pool:

  • Neutral paint throughout (grays, beiges, whites)
  • Refinished hardwood or new LVP flooring
  • Clean, updated trim and doors

Renovations to Skip Before Selling

These projects typically don't provide enough return to justify the cost:

  • High-end kitchen remodels: Only returns 50-60% in our market
  • Swimming pools: Limited appeal in Wisconsin, expensive to maintain
  • Sunrooms or additions: Too expensive with limited return
  • Custom features: Personal taste items don't appeal to all buyers

The 5% Rule for Pre-Sale Renovations

A good guideline: Don't spend more than 5% of your home's value on pre-sale improvements unless absolutely necessary. Focus on projects that:

  • Improve first impressions
  • Fix obvious problems or dated elements
  • Appeal to the broadest buyer base
  • Can be completed quickly before listing

What SE Wisconsin Buyers Want

In the Burlington, Waterford, and Kenosha markets, buyers particularly value:

  • Move-in ready condition
  • Updated bathrooms and kitchens
  • Quality outdoor living space
  • Well-maintained landscaping
  • Fresh, neutral interiors
  • Good bones with modern finishes

Timing Your Pre-Sale Renovations

Plan renovations 2-3 months before listing:

  • Gives you time to complete work properly
  • Allows you to photograph the home at its best
  • Reduces stress during the selling process
  • Ensures all work is finished and cleaned up

Working with Local Contractors

Choose contractors familiar with SE Wisconsin homes and local buyer preferences. We've helped hundreds of homeowners in Burlington, Waterford, and Kenosha prepare homes for sale.